Red Cross brings aid to flood victims in Nepal
20 October 2000

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today launched an appeal seeking 658,180 Swiss francs to assist 47,000 people left homeless by severe flooding and landslides in Nepal in August and September. Funds raised will be used to assist 9,500 families who lost everything in the disaster, providing them with blankets, kitchen utensils, clothing, and tarpaulins.

With the onset of winter, it is a priority to provide the victims with shelter. The money will also be used to replenish stocks of relief goods, as the Nepal Red Cross Society has exhausted its emergency supplies while responding to the immediate needs of the flood and landslide victims during the disaster.

Floods and landslides are common in Nepal during every monsoon season, but the torrential rains were extremely heavy this August, causing extensive flooding throughout the country which affected more than 50,000 people. The scale of the disaster has been further exacerbated as many rivers have changed their course, and the new channels have destroyed whole villages.

In the lowlands, riverbeds are expanding and covering cultivated land with sand. Landslides have wreaked havoc in the mountainous regions, claiming the lives of 144 people. A further 250 people have died of encephalitis, as stagnant waters are a common breeding ground for mosquitos which spread the disease.

The relief operation will be carried out by the Nepalese Red Cross, which has a dedicated team of relief experts with extensive experience in such operations, and there is a Red Cross chapter in every district of the country.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Delhi: Patrick Fuller, regional information delegate: + 91 11 6858671 / +91 11 9810099794

Geneva: Solveig Olafsdottir, information officer: +41 22 730 4296/ +41 79 416 3881

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.